Battery light still on -- edit: fixed! thanks for the help

[Jittles]

Does this point to a bad alternator?

I had the truck's electrical tested by a Schuck's person before I had done the work, but they didn't really pinpoint anything other than "something wrong."

The battery light goes off again when revs climb as I drive.

1994 F-150 manual no AC

 

[LTC8K6]

Most likely.

You should be able to tell with just a voltmeter while the engine is idling. Should be 14 volts or so.

You can put a little load on it by turning the headlights on and checking the voltage, too.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Sounds like the voltage regulator is going. The alternator isn't charging at low speed. In most cases it's easier just to replace the alternator since the regulators are built into them now.

ZV

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Sounds like the voltage regulator is going. The alternator isn't charging at low speed. In most cases it's easier just to replace the alternator since the regulators are built into them now.

ZV

I agree it sound slike a VR. But on those Alts the VR is external in that it is on the back of the Alt. The VR can be had for less then $25 at Rockauto.com. But if he wants simple, and maybe a decent warranty, getting one from advamce/AZ would be better for the long haul.

 

[bruceb]

Sure sounds like the regulator, maybe also worn out brushes, after all the vehicle is a 1994 and this may be the original alternator.

 

[Jittles]

Forgot to bookmark the thread when I posted oops!

Anyway, thanks for the insight.

I bought the truck knowing there was a problem and planning on doing the repair work myself. Belt was my first car repair I've ever done, and it was ridiculously easy. On to changing the VR and possibly the alternator!

 

[Jittles]

OK, side question:

This truck has an "L6" engine. All I know about are V6 and Inline 6 engines... What is an L6 engine? Ford specific name for an I6?

 

[LTC8K6]

L6 is also a term for an inline 6.

What about Slant 6?

 

[MovingTarget]

Take your alternator to the nearest Autozone or Advance Auto parts or wherever. They usually test them for free. Replacing an alternator, especially on a RWD vehicle is insanely easy. If that isn't the problem, then you'll really have to dig in with a voltmeter to find out what is going on...

 

[Jittles]

I took the alternator in to napa and it was dead. Got a new one, popped it in, no more battery light, everything runs great!

Thanks for the help.

So far my foray into auto repairs has been fun and much easier than I ever expected.